Why You Should Have a 30-Minute Pause Before Your Ceremony
Photo by Shalyn O’Neal Photography
Planning a wedding involves countless details and decisions. One piece of advice that can significantly impact the flow of your big day is to ensure there's nothing scheduled for the 30 minutes leading up to the ceremony. Here's why this simple tip can make a huge difference:
1. Time to Relax and Prepare
Weddings can be incredibly hectic, and emotions run high. Having a 30-minute buffer allows the bride and groom to:
Relax: Take a few deep breaths and enjoy a moment of calm before the ceremony begins.
Touch Up: Make any last-minute adjustments to hair and makeup. This is especially important if the weather is warm or if there's been a lot of activity beforehand.
Cool Off: If you're having a summer wedding, this break provides an opportunity to cool down, ensuring you're comfortable and fresh for the ceremony.
Get Mentally and Emotionally Ready: This quiet time allows you to focus on the significance of the moment and truly savor the anticipation of walking down the aisle.
2. Extra Time for the Photographer
Your photographer is there to capture every special moment, and sometimes that means needing a bit of extra time:
Additional Photos: This 30-minute window can be used to snap a few extra shots that couldn't be taken earlier. This might include detailed shots of the cake, the bar setup, or other elements that were still being arranged during the pre-ceremony photoshoot.
Uninterrupted Shots: Without any scheduled activities, the photographer can move freely and creatively, capturing the essence of your venue and the atmosphere before guests arrive.
3. Ensuring the WOW Moment
Guests typically begin to arrive about 30 minutes before the ceremony starts. To maintain the element of surprise and ensure your grand entrance is as impactful as possible:
Stay Hidden: Avoid being seen by guests before the ceremony. This keeps the anticipation high and makes your walk down the aisle even more breathtaking.
Keep Guests Out of Photos: Early-arriving guests can unintentionally get in the background of your pictures. By having this pause, you minimize the chances of guests wandering into important shots, ensuring your photos remain pristine and focused.
Incorporating a 30-minute pause before your ceremony at Stonegate Glass Chapel is a small but powerful strategy to enhance your wedding day. It offers the bride and groom a moment to breathe, gives the photographer valuable time for those perfect shots, and ensures that your entrance is as stunning as you've always dreamed. By taking this brief pause, you set the stage for a smooth, memorable, and magical ceremony.